I was driving the vehicle in stop and go traffic, the vehicle lost all power forcing me to come to complete stop in the middle of the highway. This occurred 3 other times in the past 4 months , the other incidents were in the parking lot. The car starts up and runs perfectly before and after. I am concerned about my safety. Searching for a solution, I found that bmw has service bulletin to address this issue. I am surprised that there is no recall on this since it is a huge safety concern.
2003 BMW X5 electrical complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 17 of 17, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The right rear brake light bulb shorts out. Instrument warning for rear brake / tail lights activates. Problem occurs multiple times due to an apparent flaw in the brake light assembly circuit and plastic that forms the split circuit for positive (+) negative (-) connection points to bulb socket leads. To repair - the metal assembly needs to be bent outward (direction away from tail light lens) to increase tension between bulb socket electrical connections and metal plate of tail light assembly. Problem seems to be caused by weakened plastic that causes the metal plate in tail light assemble to loosen creating inadequate back spring tension between the plate and socket connectors. Recall on bmw 3 series for: no. 11v‑438: lamps in rear quarter panel 2002-2005 3 series is described as the exact problem.
The left rear tail light continues to work intermittently. The 'check brake, check rear light' warning illuminates even after bulbs have been replaced. I have replaced the bulbs numerous times, with the most recent being a few days ago. Yet, the warning message reappeared this evening. The problem is similar to those recently investigated by the federal safety agency on other bmw models such as the 3 series and is a common complaint in bmw forums and other forums on the internet.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 bmw x5. While pulling into the driveway at 5 MPH, the driver noticed that the instrument panels light began to dim and the vehicle stalled. Approximately two hours later, the vehicle was able to be restarted and was driven to the dealer. The mechanic informed her that the instrument cluster was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. The current mileage was 100,200 and failure mileage was 95,000. Updated 03/09/09. *lj after shutting the vehicle off, the front and rear lights stayed on and the door locks were inoperative. The consumer attempted to restart the vehicle, but it would not start. The dealer found communications faults in the instrument cluster. Updated 03/12/09.
Bmw x-5 has caused two accidents by spontanous accelleration - after first accident bmw was contacted and engineers kept vehicle and determined that cause of accident driver error-we paid for repair of vehicle. Same "acceleration" happened about six months later on january 7 sending car crashing through front of building - only by miracle people weren't ingured in these accidents (the building was a a retail store). This is a leased vehicle and we don't know what to do. Lso, these incidents have caused our insurance to skyrocket.
Consumer was traveling 45 MPH and vehicle surged forward, and drove roughly. A loud grinding noise was heard coming from the front. Consumer noticed that the check engine light flashed on then off. Consumer drove it to the dealer, and mechanic determined that two ignition coil springs needed to be replaced inside of the engine.
October 2002 I purchased a new bmw x5 - shortly there after I started to experience intermittent electrical problems - headlights would not shut off without re-starting the car, interior lights would not turn off, the flashers would come on, the rear latch would disconnect, the keyless entry into the car would not work, battery was being drained and ultimately the batter wouldn't even hold a charge. After 3-4 months of experiencing these intermittent problems, I insisted the dealer take the car back and let me purchase a 2003 bmw x5. I received the newest bmw x5 on february 26, 2003 and on march 10, 2003, I started experiencing problems again! This time, when the ignition was turned on, the flashers came on and the interior lights would not shut off without me opening the door and closing it again - I had to manually shut off the flashers. Minutes later after driving the car, I shut off the ignition, got out of the car and used the keyless entry system to lock the car and arm the alarm. I wasn't able to lock the car doors but the alarm was activated. I had to turn the alarm off and open the door and close it again. Then I was able to lock it. The car has been at the dealer since and they do not know what is causing this problem.
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